Last updated on Mar 22, 2024

What do you do if your team members are struggling with work-life balance?

When your team members are struggling with work-life balance, it can lead to burnout, decreased productivity, and a negative work environment. As someone responsible for employee relations, recognizing the signs of this struggle is crucial. It's important to understand that work-life balance means different things to different people and can vary greatly depending on personal responsibilities outside of work. By acknowledging this, you can begin to take steps to help your team find the equilibrium that works best for them and for the organization.

1 Assess Needs

To address work-life balance issues, start by assessing the needs of your team. Encourage open communication where team members feel comfortable sharing their challenges without fear of judgment or reprisal. This dialogue can help you understand the specific factors contributing to imbalance, such as long hours, workload, or personal commitments. Remember, the goal is not to intrude on personal lives but to create an environment where team members can perform their best both at work and outside of it.

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Fatima Roberts LMT, SPHR®

➡︎ Transformative HR Leader & Senior Director: Talent Development & DEIB Expert ➡︎ Driving Organizational Development & Change Management ➡︎ Enhancing Employee Engagement & Retention ➡︎ Aligning HR with Business Goals
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This issue "spiked" during and post COVID. If I notice that a team members are struggling with work/life balance, it's imperative, for me, to check in. First, I would assess their assignments and work loads, I would run reports, look at meeting minutes, check in documentation etc to see if I've "missed" something and determine if there are any items I can help prioritize and/or reprioritize for the team and/or individuals. Once I've done that, I can determine if I need to meet with the individual or the team or both, to further assess, and offer support.

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Luis Stalin-Cruz

Human Resources Manager at Primary Staffing Inc
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Addressing work-life balance challenges within your team is crucial for maintaining their well-being, motivation, and overall productivity. Things I can do: 1. Open the Conversation 2. Lead by Example 3. Set Clear Expectations 4. Encourage Time Management 5. Flexibility in Work Arrangements 6. Monitor Workloads 7. Promote Breaks and Time Off 8. Support Physical and Mental Health 9. Foster a Supportive Team Culture 10. Review and Adapt Policies 11. Provide Professional Development Opportunities 12. Recognize and Reward By implementing these strategies, you can help your team navigate the complexities of balancing their professional and personal lives, leading to a healthier, more engaged, and productive team.

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2 Flexible Options

One effective way to support work-life balance is by offering flexible work options. This could include flexible hours, the possibility to work from home, or compressed work weeks. These options allow your team to manage their time in a way that suits their individual circumstances. It's essential, however, to ensure that these arrangements do not lead to an "always-on" culture where the boundaries between work and personal time become blurred.

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3 Prioritize Tasks

Help your team prioritize tasks to manage their workload effectively. Teach them how to distinguish between urgent and important tasks and to focus on high-priority work during their most productive hours. This approach not only aids in reducing stress but also enhances the quality of work produced. Encourage your team to set realistic deadlines and to communicate proactively if they need more time or resources to complete a task.

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4 Health and Wellness

Promote health and wellness within your team by encouraging regular breaks, physical activity, and mental health days if needed. Consider implementing wellness programs or activities that can be done together as a team, such as yoga sessions or walking meetings. By prioritizing the physical and mental well-being of your team, you help them maintain the stamina needed for both their professional and personal lives.

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Suzie Wilson

Passionate HR leader committed to fostering inclusive cultures and driving employee engagement. Experienced in employee relations, benefits administration, compliance, and leadership.
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Promoting employee health and wellness is crucial for organizational success. Recognizing that employees spend significant time at work, it's imperative to prioritize their well-being. If you notice team members struggling, intervene by incorporating small wellness activities like daily team walks or quarterly group yoga classes. These initiatives demonstrate care and support, fostering a positive work environment where employees feel valued. Investing in their health not only boosts morale but also enhances productivity and contributes to overall team success.

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5 Training and Resources

Invest in training and resources that equip your team with the skills to manage their work-life balance effectively. This could include time management workshops, stress management courses, or access to counseling services. By providing these resources, you demonstrate a commitment to the well-being of your team, which can lead to increased loyalty and job satisfaction.

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6 Monitor Progress

Finally, continually monitor the progress of work-life balance initiatives. Solicit regular feedback from your team to understand what is working and what isn't. Be prepared to make adjustments as necessary, recognizing that the needs of your team may change over time. Regular check-ins also reinforce the message that you are invested in your team's well-being and open to finding solutions that benefit everyone involved.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Fatima Roberts LMT, SPHR®

➡︎ Transformative HR Leader & Senior Director: Talent Development & DEIB Expert ➡︎ Driving Organizational Development & Change Management ➡︎ Enhancing Employee Engagement & Retention ➡︎ Aligning HR with Business Goals
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It's important to consider what example you're setting. Your team is watching, are you taking PTO, are you sending messages outside of working hours, are you showing signs of burnout? Check in with yourself, and make sure you're modeling the behaviors that support a work/life balance, so your team will also.

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What do you do if your team members are struggling with work-life balance?

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3

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1 Assess Needs

2 Flexible Options

3 Prioritize Tasks

4 Health and Wellness

5 Training and Resources

6 Monitor Progress

7 Here’s what else to consider

Employee Relations

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What do you do if your team members are struggling with work-life balance?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Assess Needs

2 Flexible Options

3 Prioritize Tasks

4 Health and Wellness

5 Training and Resources

6 Monitor Progress

7 Here’s what else to consider

Employee Relations

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